Last year, McNerney's office reported collecting more than 7,000 cards with personal messages of gratitude to men and women serving in uniform. The cards are distributed both overseas and within the U.S.

"I have heard how much it means to our troops when they receive notes and cards from home," McNerney said.

Some of the cards will be sent to troops stationed overseas in packages shipped by Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, Lodi Support Our Troops, A Million Thanks, Summerset Veterans, and The Red Cross.

To participate, make or purchase a holiday card and write a message of thanks inside to a service member. Then, deliver the card to McNerney's office in Stockton or Antioch by Nov. 22. Cards should remain unaddressed and envelopes unsealed.

Be sure to sign your card and use a salutation such as "Dear Service Member." The program can't deliver cards addressed to specific individuals.